A Poet In The Shade Poem by Nanashino Ryu

How much is needed for a life?
How much is needed for a meal?
How much is needed for going to school?
How much is needed for living under the roof?
How much is needed for living with loved ones?

I was born and grew up in poverty.
I finally found my job,
but immigrants took it away.
My father was discriminated against
because he was black.
He taught me 'never hurt others'.
And he was killed by a mugger last night,
even though he had only $ 5.

How much money do I need to live?
How much money do I need to die?
I was born with clenched my fist,
there wasn't even 1 cent in my fist.
Dad, I wish I'd been born grasped money.
Dad wouldn't have had any trouble.